IT WILL be party time at a Thornbury pre-school tomorrow as staff, parents and children celebrate a "full house" of top marks from government education watchdogs.

First Step Pre-school, based at Christ the King School, has been graded as outstanding in every single area of provision, placing it in the top rank of pre-schools across the country.

An Ofsted team which carried out an inspection last November was full of praise for its quality and standards in all aspect of early years provision and nursery education.

In their report, the inspectors failed to identify even one area needing improvement.

Inspection team leader Kay Roberts said: "No recommendations are made for improving care and nursery education standards because the quality is outstanding."

Among the many categories where the pre-school was awarded top marks were its efforts to help children stay healthy and protected and while achieving well and having fun.

"Children play in a very secure environment so they do not leave unnoticed," says the report.

"There are safe procedures in place so that children are only released to authorised adults and protected from people who have not been vetted.

"Staff have a very good knowledge of local child protection procedures.

"The risk of children having an accident is significantly reduced as there is a high adult to child ratio and staff are appropriately deployed."

The report highlights the pre-school's healthy eating policy, its clean environment and its highly effective hygienic procedures which minimise the risk of infection.

It also commends the pre-school for the quality of its teaching and learning thanks to a highly skilled and enthusiastic team of staff and outstanding leadership and management.

Organisation and the pre-school's partnership with parents also receive top marks.

There are currently almost 50 children on roll, aged two to five.

Pre-school leader Jenny Harris said: "We are all extremely proud of this achievement. Personally, I am thrilled that the dedication of staff has been properly recognised."

Neil Payne, First Step chairman, added: "This latest Ofsted report is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all the staff under the leadership of Jenny Harris. It is a very real success."

The pre-school, which opened in 1970 and last year re-registered as a limited company, operates five days a week during term time from a self-contained prefabricated building with an enclosed outside play area in the grounds of Christ the King School and has use of the school hall for physical activities.

The pre-school will be celebrating their success by holding a party tomorrow.